James Van Der Beek, the actor who became a defining face of late-’90s teen TV, has died at 48, TMZ reports.
Officials with the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that his death was reported early Tuesday morning, around 6:44 AM. No cause of death has been released.
Van Der Beek revealed in late 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The illness forced him to step away from the highly anticipated “Dawson’s Creek” reunion last September, a gathering fans hoped would bring the iconic cast back together for the first time in years.
Best known for playing Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek quickly became a breakout star of his generation. He went on to leave his mark in films like “Varsity Blues” and “Scary Movie,” and later earned praise for his work on the series “Pose.”
The last time cameras caught up with him was at the Egyptian Theater in Park City during Sundance 2020, where he appeared upbeat and grateful for his long career in Hollywood.
Van Der Beek was 48.
My heart goes out to James Van Der Beek’s family during this difficult time.